Kimberley to Cape is working to identify common ground and align messages around a prosperous and sustainable future for Northern Australia. This document is one of a series of discussion papers that aim to synthesise, simplify and share the views of diverse organisations and experts around what success might look like for specific sectors and topics such as agriculture, grazing, conservation, mining, planning and tourism in the North. As well as attempting to draw out what most parties might agree on, we raise questions for discussion in an effort to expand common ground and help increase policy certainty, and outline what might be needed to achieve success. The ‘stories’ are drafted through reviewing literature and through conversations and feedback, and are dynamic – please let us know your views! The idea is that in collaboratively developing and refining these shared stories we will generate clearer and more consistent narratives to help shape a successful future for the North…

Clickhere for a pdf version or here for a word version of the discussion paper (Mar 2016 version). Its only 2.5 pages plus questions and refs!

Agriculture in Northern Australia in 2030 is progressive, diverse and resilient, supplying high quality product to local and international markets. It has grown from the expansion of existing successful enterprises, incorporating innovative practices and technology, and has diversified away from traditional bulk, undiffer-entiated cropping to now encompass multiple models and scales of production. It is guided and driven by sharedgoals of strong regional communities, a diversified regional economy and an environmentally sustainable production base. It is a significant employer, and contri-butes to Australia’s export earnings, local and national food security, and regional vitality.

Pre-existing irrigation areas (eg Ord, Burdekin, Daly, Mareeba) have increased their economic, social, cultural and environmental value through a range of agreed measures and produce crops such as peanuts, chickpeas, cucurbits, chia, hemp, sandalwood, aromatic rice and tropical fruits. Four 5,000-25,000ha mosaic irrigation regions have been collaboratively planned and developed across the North (eg in the Mitchell, Kimberley, Gulf/Cape and the Top End), and two more may be developed before reaching economic, water allocation and/or cumulative clearing limits. Near towns, protected cropping is generating high returns relative to inputs. Across pastoral country 10-500ha areas of irrigated and dryland fodder crops such as maize and sorghum are helping to finish cattle.

More diversified agricultural enterprises such as aquaculture, crocodile farming, niche crops, bioprospecting and wild harvest products for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries are succeeding due to comparative advantages in markets, climate adaptation and social licence. These don’t need large areas of cleared land and/or large water allocations.

Diversification is also evident within individual agricultural enterprises with many businesses integrated with for example aquaculture, beef, honey, carbon, tourism, renewable energy, wild harvests and/or seed industries. Most draw on the North’s new innovative R&D institutions and some are part of this knowledge economy, providing training to people across the Tropics.

Indigenous agricultural enterprises and support services are taking advantage of new markets and niches linked to their strengths. The ‘Centrefarm’ model is expanding and Indigenous communities benefit from nearby developments as part of an industry-wide commitment to co-benefits.

Biosecurity is now to agribusiness what safety is to the mining industry – routine wash downs, inspections, reporting of incidents etc are mitigating the high risk of breaches due to increased movement of products and people, free trade agreements and more cropping. Effective monitoring and out-break procedures limit new pests, weeds and diseases, and precinct design, and new technology such as lasers, curb damage from geese, wallabies etc.

Supply chains are vertically integrated efficient, traceable and nimble in responding to fluctuations in markets, biosecurity needs, costs and natural events. They are diverse, innovative and well aligned with Asian markets and are supported by a strategic transport network, harmonised government regulations and research and extension service hubs that work with individual growers. Waste is minimal and fresh produce is locally available. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies are routinely included in decisions across the chain.

Agriculture in the North supports and is supported by a local, vibrantagribusiness sector (e.g. in fertilisers, chemicals, machinery, engineering, mechanics, seeds, consultants etc). Enterprises harness a skilled workforce, and are less reliant on seasonal workforces due to diversification, more double cropping, automation, counter seasonal products and strategic processing facilities. They use local contractors including Indigenous businesses.

BOX 1 What do agricultural industry groups and government submissions2-5 say about:

Planning – Industry and government bodies call for improved regional planning to identify and agree on agricultural growth precincts, and for more consistent policies. They believe that development decisions need to be made with community participation, informed by the best available science and include social and environmental impacts2.

Water – Industry and government bodies strongly support the NWI and appear to be moving away from (or are at least being more cautious about) large dams towards more commercially viable, considered water sources such as groundwater and strategic farm dams3.

Biosecurity – Industry and government bodies acknowledge the critical importance of biosecurity to the success of agriculture in the North, as well as the biosecurity risks that increased production will bring. They call for increased biosecurity effort to accompany Northern development4.

Climate change – most didn’t comment on climate change, perhaps implying this is something they tackle every day, that they’re still assessing this issue, or that, in their view, it’s not currently an important factor5.

Water use efficiency has increased significantly since 2015 through advanced technologies, trading and new crop varieties. All irrigated areas use a ‘closed system’ where excess water is recycled. Water is sourced from groundwater and small, off-stream dams typically in upper catchments. Major instream dams have not stacked up due to poor cost-benefit ratios, a lack of good sites, high evaporation rates and impacts on fisheries and natural and cultural values. Water is allocated according to agreed plans that meet National Water Initiative criteria and include reserves for future development by Traditional Owners.

A key success factor in the growth of the Norths agriculture industry has been the promotion of Northern Australia as a reliable supplier of safe, green, clean quality products through the use of leading practices, branding, marketing, accreditations and collaborations – these have been critical in securing our market advantage and have driven efficiencies in soil, water and nutrient management, lowering input costs and reducing environmental impacts. Many growers proactively contribute (beyond duty-of-care) to the protection of the North’s natural values to help ensure longterm productivity, competitive advantage and a positive legacy.

The Development Model

Most players in the agricultural sector believe that the right development model is one that builds on existing successes, typically starting small and expanding if succesful6. It’s one that emphasises diversification, works with the regional community and builds on the North’s clean, green credentials. This model is strategic, learns from the past and has less exposure to the multiple challenges that affect the North.

This development model fits with the need for the North to focus on particular products and market windowseg7,8 – unlike for beef and dairy, there is no easy Asian market for Northern Australian horticultural products since many Asian countries are themselves major prod-ucers and have significantly lower production costs. Northern producers will therefore focus on comparative advantages including: 1. High quality agricultural products with strong, traceable credentials(many companies, espec-ially Asian ones, are increasingly looking for quality and accountability, and the North is well placed to build on its reputation for clean, safe produce). 2. Counter-seasonal products (the North can meet and create demand for products during traditional off seasons, taking care to avoid oversupply9). 3. Niche products not grown in Asia, including organic products. 4. Fodder crops to add value to beef production.

The right development model needs to account for the cost of learning through crop failures in some years (profitable products need gross returns of over ~$4000 per ha and low freight costs relative to sale price). It also needs to be able to differentiate products, for example through using leading practices and creating social, cultural and environmental benefits.

BOX 2 Benefits and risks of agricultural development

Agricultural development across Northern Australia can bring many benefits to individuals, communities and regions such as income, enhanced community services, employment, expanded social networks, better infrastructure and access to local produce. It can be an important contributor to the long term viability and vitality of northern communities, and to biodiversity through soil, weed and pest management. Agricultural development in the North can also bring broader benefits to Australia as a whole such as via increased export earnings, the ability to export more skills and technology, and improved food security.

In thinking about the scale and type of agricultural best suited to the North, these benefits need to be weighed against unwanted consequences. E.g. water extraction or diversion for irrigation can impact existing users such as fishing, prawning, tourism, the environment grazing, and other ecosystem service users. Agricultural intensification often increases pesticide and fertiliser use which can pollute soil and water and affect food webs and nutrient balances. Runoff and flood water can carry sediment, seeds or other unwanted material. Weeds, pests and diseases can spread due to increased movement of people, vehicles and products. The cumulative effect of such impacts may impair the long-term sustainability of the development and negatively impact the values of surrounding and downstream areas. It could also tarnish Northern Australia’s clean, green image, one of our strongest market advantages.

The proposed model of development – a) building up from existing successes, b) emphasising diversification and moving away from large scale monocultures, and c) capitalising on the North’s clean, green credentials – appears to have fewer risks and more benefits than an ’infrastructure heavy’ model of development that uses relatively large water allocations, relies on low value or bulk commodities and is vulnerable to pests and disease. It also fits more closely with maintaining the outstanding natural and cultural values of Northern Australia, as long as collaborative robust, place-based planning is undertaken to ensure new agricultural developments are well placed, well designed and within agreed cumulative limits.

We are keen to understand and expand the common ground between sectors around what success looks like for agricultural development in the North. For example, views range from ‘is the north the right place to pursue (irrigated) agriculture?’ and ‘let’s clarify the purpose of developing agriculture in the North before investing further’ to ‘major agricultural developments are the best chance we have for real involvement of aboriginal people in the economy’ and ‘we need agriculture in the North to feed the world’. We would therefore love your feedback, either in general or in response to the following questions, to progress the conversation and build greater consensus.

1. To what extent do you support the draft picture of success and model of agricultural development for the North? ie a) builds on existing successes, typically starting small, b) emphasises diversification and c) uses and protects the North’s clean, green credentials

Fully support

Somewhat support

Don’t support

Please explain:

2. Many groups are calling for policy certainty through collaborative place-based planning where local communities are involved in identifying desired futures and land uses etc for their region – do you support this?

Strongly support

Somewhat support

Don’t support

Please explain:

3. How can we best ensure agricultural development in the North benefits local and regional communities?

It always benefits communities anyway

Promote social licences to operate

Ensure it’s tied to policy, incentives etc

Ensure it’s a legal requirement

Don’t need to benefit communities

Please explain why and/or how:

4. How important is Northern Australia’s clean green image to you or your enterprise/ industry / sector and, if it is important, how can we maintain it in the face of major development of the North?

Very important

Somewhat important

Not important

How can we maintain it? (eg accreditations, BMPs, conservation efforts)

5. What should be the extent of (irrigated) cropping in the North? For example, should there be a regional land clearing limit to keep below? Also, are up to 6 new 5,000-25,000 ha irrigation regions across the North insufficient or excessive? Should there be ‘no go’ areas for cropping in addition to current conservation reserves, areas of Indigenous significance and matters protected under law?

Should be minimal effort to limit clearing since land/water/economics limit development

Should be maximum efforts to limit clearing to protect ecosystem services and cultural and conservation values ¨

6. Do you think it makes more sense for us to invest in existing irrigation areas (eg Burdekin, Ord), in opening up new irrigation regions or in small scale systems for pastoral properties?

Best to invest in existing schemes

Best to invest in greenfield schemes

Best to invest in small pastoral scale

It’s not that simple

Please explain:

7. What other agricultural-related issues do you feel are important to address to increase the common ground between different sectors and build a shared picture of a prosperous and sustainable future for Northern Australia?

Please outline:

How we might contribute to achieving success in agricultural development across the North:

Once we have a shared picture of success, or at least have agreed on some parts of the picture, what actions do we need to take to move towards it? Please list your actions below (the italix text offers some possible ideas):

4. Facilitate conversations about what success might look like for Northern Australia so we know what existing values we want to maintain and how this fits with success in agriculture

5. ?

Thank you for your responses, they are truly appreciated. Please send them to Clare at kimberleytocape@iinet.net.au They will be used to build a more informed & cohesive picture of success & only referred to individually with your permission.

Queensland’s Agricultural Strategy 2013 A 2040 vision for doubling production

2.Planning References:

Provide farmers with long-term policy certainty across all areas including …access of natural resources including land and water (NFF 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia).

Development impact decisions are made using the best available scientific knowledge and oversight. It is important that governments engage with the various stakeholders in finding an acceptable and sustainable land use solution. The government should prioritise in their policy settings the appropriate consultation and negotiation with landholders around proposed resource development (AgForce 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Improved regional and rural planning processes and instruments will be required to support harmonious co-existence of agricultural, industrial and urban development in northern Australia (Grocom 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Regional assessments for land and water use planning will be completed to harmonise policy and regulation across state and territory boundaries and ensure that Northern Australia’s unique environment, biodiversity and cultural values are protected. Integrating into all of this will be a large education and workforce development capacity-building program (GroNorth 2014 CRC bid)

3. Water related references:

NFF supports a risk-based approach to planning that recognises the complexity of the water resources, their conservation values, and the threats to them (NFF 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia).

Key considerations for investment in new water infrastructure development should be: the long-term environmental sustainability of the works – established through sound water planning processes based on robust scientific information; compliance with the principles of the National Water Initiative, including those relating to the specification of water access entitlements and the establishment of water markets, and: based on a sound business case, to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the scheme or dam for water users (NFF Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Water resources need to be sustainably utilised through infrastructure development.. that deliver further opportunity while ensuring adverse impacts on existing users or the environment are avoided (AgForce2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

The Territory is exploring opportunities for strategic dams, off-stream storage facilities and managed aquifer recharge to meet domestic water supply demand, provide more water for irrigated agriculture and support developing industries (NT Gov 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

[need] research into safe extraction levels for northern Australian aquifers; research into flood harvest, off-stream storage and conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater (NT 2014 Gov submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Seek opportunities to utilise off river water catchment, capturing large wet season rainfall in geographically suitable pockets rather than developing stream dams (NT Farmers Assoc 2014 Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Water for Food approach, 2014 WA Gov

4. Biosecurity References:

There is a need for long term vision and investment – consequences of failure are high …This is a very high priority to protect existing international market access and the delivery of future opportunity and elevated product valuation (AgForce 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Movement of produce can increase the threat of biosecurity incursions, threatening the clean and green image of Australian horticulture. Biosecurity risks are very different for horticultural enterprises in the north and management strategies that apply in southern states may not be transferable. Climate change and other factors can also increase biosecurity risks. Biosecurity risk identification and management is likely to require significant investigation and ongoing investment as is a more effective system for the registration of crop protection products for the horticultural industry (Grocom 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Northern Australia’s remoteness and relative lack of development have provided a natural barrier to exotic pests and diseases. An increase in economic activities and movement of people and materials in northern Australia will increase the risk of unwanted pests and diseases being introduced and spreading throughout Australia. These risks could constrain the sustainable development of new and existing industries in northern Australia. Biosecurity assessments should be a key component of any planning for economic development of northern Australia. Increased biosecurity efforts will be required, involving collaboration across governments, industry and communities. There is a possibility that this could provide increased employment opportunities in northern Australian communities.

Pests can enter Australia from neighbouring countries through natural pathways, such as wind currents, as well as through trade and the movement of people. Dedicated and targeted surveillance is therefore key to ensuring pests and diseases do not enter and/or establish, and maintaining access for Australia’s agricultural produce to international markets

improve preparedness and response mechanisms to enhance resilience to natural disasters and biosecurity threats, including becoming the most prepared state in Australia for incursions such as foot-and-mouth disease; continue to improve biosecurity systems, surveillance and detection to protect agriculture production and the environment, utilising state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities that maximise efficiencies (Qld Agricultural Strategy 2014)

Need to coordinate funding, surveillance, awareness as well as response to events. Provide incentives (taxation, social or other) to retain people in remote areas such as northern Australia as the front line in the identification and response to risks. Commit and adequately resource ongoing biosecurity risk assessment processes and implement actions (AgForce 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

5.Climate Change References

Climatic shifts that are already apparent and projected changes to rainfall and temperature patterns in northern Australia pose ever greater challenges to maintaining successful production of existing crops and establishing production on new horticulture lines in the north. This is an extremely important consideration for the horticulture industry, as it is particularly susceptible to temperature changes. Climate change scenarios and their impact on agricultural production potential in northern regions require detailed investigation (Grocom 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

6.References to support proposed development model:

‘staged and sustainable development to allow for diversification and localised, targeted intensification’ (AgForce 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

‘the focus should be on removing barriers and constraints to existing enterprises and growing new markets, rather than opening up new areas for horticulture production… Drastically increasing production with no regard to market development will simply exacerbate existing problems with farm profitability’ and ‘sound a strong note of caution regarding promoting large green field sites’ (GroCom 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

‘Lessons for the past – too big too quickly – has changed the focus of development across northern Australia. A sustainable agricultural precinct approach is being developed on the back of lessons learned in the Kimberley (Ord), Katherine and Douglas Daly regions’ (NT Gov submission to Ag Competitiveness Green Paper 2014)

‘there are significant opportunities to … facilitate the careful strategic expansion of agriculture in Northern Australia. However…. development … which created over supply of product in the domestic market could not be supported’ (Qld Farmers Federation 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

Smaller scale and more sparsely concentrated ‘mosaic’ irrigated agriculture may be more viable than irrigation concentrated in a smaller number of larger contiguous areas, because groundwater reserves are often too small or too sensitive to support widespread irrigation( Aust Gov Dept of Agriculture 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Australia)

The greatest opportunity for expanded irrigated agriculture in the Territory will be around developing small pockets of arable soil that overlie potable aquifers. This will deliver a mosaic of irrigation developments (NT Gov, 2014 Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry on Developing Northern Aust)

In many commodities there has been a natural process for production to be consolidated into large, corporate units often to the detriment of the smaller family farm and other social impacts. This could be an unavoidable consequence of the drive for increased efficiency but it is also a major social change that may not be welcomed by the community or government. (NT Gov 2014 submission to Ag Competitiveness paper)

Large numbers of enterprises have implemented small scale irrigation systems that have carefully combined arable land with available water. These new ‘mosaic systems’ have allowed landholders to increase overall unit productivity and better manage risk (Northern Aust Land & Water Taskforce 2009)